healthcare Archives - Voice of the Cape

SAHRC Slams Govt Over Foreigners’ Healthcare Access

By Rachel Mohamed The South African Human Rights Commission has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of nationality or documentation. The Commission recently criticized the government for not addressing vigilante groups like Operation Dudula, which have blocked non-nationals and undocumented individuals from accessing public healthcare. Speaking to VOC News, Education activist Hendrick Makaneta stated that the rights to education and healthcare are guaranteed […]

13 October 2025

Local

South Africa’s Public Healthcare Holds Strong by Global Standards

South Africa’s public healthcare system continues to perform well in maintaining affordability, aligning with international standards. This was the key message at the 2025 Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) Conference, held in Cape Town, where over 1,000 delegates from more than 15 countries, including representatives from Europe and the Americas, gathered to discuss healthcare reform. Speaking on VOC’s PM Drive, BHF Managing Director Dr Katlego Mothudi said the conference aimed […]

15 May 2025

Local

Health Department introduces systems to reduce patient waiting times this winter

By Lee-Yandra Paulsen Western Cape healthcare facilities have introduced systems to reduce patient waiting times this winter, requesting that patients arrive 30 minutes early. The Western Cape Government's Health and Wellness Department aims to improve efficiency and patient experience during the peak season. Monique Johnstone, Communication Officer for the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, explained the process: “This system has been in place for a few years, so it […]

29 July 2024

Local

Cellphone and water towers, healthcare and crime prevention: How load-shedding hobbles services

SA, which has been experiencing energy shortages since 2008, is in the throes of its worst power cuts on record as breakdowns at Eskom’s plants reach unprecedented levels. The blackouts have caused disruptions countrywide, illustrating the challenges Europe could face as it confronts acute power shortages of its own. Here’s how some key services have been affected: Healthcare Most hospitals have backup electricity, but generators don’t always kick in immediately […]

4 October 2022

Local

Shortage of health officials at ports of entry cause congestion

The Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations says the shortage of port health officials at the Ramatlabama and Skilpadhek border crossings in North West is causing congestion. The two border points close at 6pm instead of the normal 10pm and midnight cut offs. It is reported that the borders have a shortage of port health officials leading to large numbers of drivers waiting to be screened for […]

6 June 2021

International News

Saudi migrant workers ‘packed as animals’ and ‘forced to drink from toilet’

Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrants has come under sharp criticism from rights groups following allegations that detainees are “are packed as animals” and forced to “drink from the toilet”. These are the horrific conditions in Al-Shumaisi Detention Centre, according to detainees awaiting deportation from the kingdom. Many of those arrested by Saudi officials for working illegally find themselves in the Al-Shumaisi Detention Centre, a huge complex designed to hold 32,000 […]

6 August 2020

Local

The public healthcare system is very distressed, but not collapsing: Motsoaledi

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has dismissed claims that the public health sector is on the verge of collapse. He did, however, concede that the healthcare system is very distressed. Motsoaledi was responding Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba's comment during an eNCA interview over the weekend that many Life Esidimenis were taking place across the country. Speaking at a media briefing in Tshwane on Tuesday, Motsoaledi said the burden of […]

6 June 2018

healthcare

SAHRC Slams Govt Over Foreigners’ Healthcare Access

South Africa’s Public Healthcare Holds Strong by Global Standards

Health Department introduces systems to reduce patient waiting times this winter

Cellphone and water towers, healthcare and crime prevention: How load-shedding hobbles services

Shortage of health officials at ports of entry cause congestion

Saudi migrant workers ‘packed as animals’ and ‘forced to drink from toilet’

The public healthcare system is very distressed, but not collapsing: Motsoaledi

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